25 random thoughts from a struggling student
Just a brain dump of things I wish my professors knew throughout the semester, or perhaps understood from putting two and two together.
College involves a whirlwind of emotions, whether it’s from the stress of an assignment (or twenty), or from fighting with your roommate. It can be overwhelming at times and it’s important to take a step a back and calmly think things over. Maybe gain some perspective. The following aren’t foolproof tips and may not apply to you, but I was able to find success with them (hope you do too!)
If you're one of those people who can write a 15-page story in one night, then congrats, my friend. Only needed one cup of coffee? Even better. However, for some of us, ideas don’t flow as soon as we open our laptops. Brainstorming is often a must and not everyone will finish things at the same time. Go at your own pace. Don’t be ashamed that an “easy” assignment took you so long. The point is that you got it done in the first place.
College, has its perks: more freedom, friends living in walking distance, and binging on crappy food. But there’s one thing we all dread and it’s waking up in the morning and attending yet another tedious class. It’s strange that in high school we manage to stay there for eight hours straight but the idea of sitting in a two-hour lecture is mind blowing. Hearing a professor drone on for that long has a tiring effect. So, if you have time, don’t ignore that feeling. Give in to it. I’ve learned that a 20-minute nap can actually be effective (don’t get me wrong a two-hour one does the trick too). I’m more willing to do work as the guilt of previously wasting time motivates me.
Sure, you’ve been told that your “young years” are for mistakes. But why not let other people make those? Let that kid who got caught plagiarizing inspire you to submit all original stuff even if it’s complete shit. Let that girl who drank too much inspire you to stop double fisting and keep track of your limit. There’s no reason to spend another night by the bathroom toilet. Just watch the ridiculousness that goes on and somehow you’ll find yourself becoming the mature one in the room, otherwise known as the momof the friend group.
We’ve all been through a rough cramming session that has taken a lot out of us. Sure, the real world is hard but studying for hours on end is no cakewalk. A necessary step in keeping one’s sanity is to go celebrate after finishing said studying. Skip the dining hall and order a pizza (suggestion: split with roommate for a cheaper outcome), go to karaoke night at a frat, or if you’re low on cash, have a "Lord of the Rings" marathon. The point is: unwind.
The first thing to note is that we all do it. Procrastination takes a hold of the best of us and there’s no way around it. So why not take advantage of that time you aren’t using for homework? Maybe reorganize your closet, throw a load of laundry in or (if you have access to a kitchen) whip up a real dinner for yourself. Ignore the temptation that is telling you to watch a whole season of Parks and Rec.
Only some of us are so lucky when we go the “random route” in choosing a roomie. This is a person you will have to see, hear, and sleep next to every day. You’ve got two semesters to perfect living with them. If the two of you aren’t friends, at least discuss schedules and be considerate when they have an 8 am the next day. Also, never start a fight about little things. There’s more of a chance their dirty dishes will get washed if you leave a passive aggressive note or casually mention it.
There’s a million to navigate college, but these small things can apply to life in general. For example, learning to be civil with your roommate can help you learn to put up with that annoying coworker who insists on undermining you at every given opportunity. Dealing with these type of situations can grant you more satisfaction in the long run, instead of taking the easy way out.
It is no secret that many American traditions have changed over time. As we grow older we change in so many ways that it only makes sense that we also change the way we celebrate special occasions. Of course when it comes to the holidays there are some family traditions that many of us still excitedly look forward to, whether it is eating your favorite dish or seeing favorite cousin. However, we all know that the holidays have overall changed a little from what they used to be.
While it may always be shown in holiday movies caroling has actually been on the sharp decline for some time now. According to the Pew Research Center the percentage of people who went caroling as a child dropped by almost half when asked if they were going to continue the tradition. Considering most people don't enjoy singing for strangers, including myself, this change in tradition is one I can understand.
Christmas and New Year gift card
Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash
Besides your dentist or doctor people don't really send christmas cards to extended family and friends anymore. Surprisingly this used to be one of the more popular holiday traditions celebrated in America. Pewforum.org reported an almost 20% decrease in people who sent cards and people who plan to send cards. I personally would love to see this tradition saved considering sending the basic Merry Christmas or Happy Thanksgiving text to friends isn't always sufficient enough.
When I was a kid putting up the christmas tree was a very big deal. It was always huge and extravagant with ornaments of all kinds. This is still a reality for a lot of people but it has become a little less common. Whether it is small and skinny or full and decorated putting up a Christmas tree is still one of the most celebrated traditions.
butter cookies on plate
Photo by Monika Grabkowska on Unsplash
Giving and receiving baked goods for special events is still very mainstream in America but the idea of doing it specifically for the holidays has become less and less popular. If we could try and keep this tradition going I would greatly appreciate it. Baked goods will always be considered a great gift to me.
boy holding Holy Bible
Photo by David Beale on Unsplash
Christmas is already beginning to see Christmas a cultural practice rather than a religious one. This may be the reason that less people plan to attend religious services during the holidays compared to when their were kids. It could also be because your parents at there to wake you up.
Everyone who has done musicals knows that once you go there you can never go back. It's like a virus. It never leaves and you find yourself attracted to all types of theater things. You're drawn to it like a moth to a flame. There are certain things you know to be true, whether you did a musical once or have done them your entire life.
If you happen to mention even one cue word around me, it's likely that I will break into song. It just happens. Nobody else knows what is happening either so don't feel left out.
All of the stage makeup you had to do for every performance is paying off. But, remember to tone it down a bit for off stage.
It's something you have to live with because the lights on stage are bright. If you don't own a collection of foundations then the above gif is the reaction you get.
This is a more rare occurrence but we've all done it a few times. It's okay. It's most likely going to happen after a long run of performances.
Things happen. Some could accidentally get hit with a baseball bat on stage and you have to roll with it.
It's really distracting. Now you understand what your director was talking about when she told the cast millions of times not to touch the curtains.
After that, the most hilarious shenanigans ensue on stage.
How many times can I get him to break character? When will someone notice that I have been doing the macarena for the last five minutes? The possibilities are endless.
You know that each show is drastically different, even if it is the same story.
While you're glad it's over because you don't have to worry about not eating dairy before the show and all of the other little things that come along with being in choir, you're going to miss it. Who else but your cast mates will understand the struggle?
When you come home over Christmas break, it's hard to find fun in your hometown. During the winter, it's hard to find the motivation to go out and find things to do. However, there are plenty of fun things to do in almost any town, and there are tons of fun date ideas that aren't taken advantage of. Here are nine fun winter dates to go on.
The seasonal classic. There's nothing more romantic than falling down in front of your date or showing off your skills if you actually know how to ice skate. It's a fun way to adventure outside your comfort and really get in the Christmas spirit.
Even though it's cold, it's so pretty after it snows. If you can bear the cold, why not take advantage of it? Also, during the winter, the parks are fairly empty, so you can enjoy the snow in peace with your SO.
There's nothing like curling up with a mug of hot chocolate and putting on your favorite movies to spend time together and stay warm.
If you live together, this is a fun seasonal one. It's a cute little bonding activity to do together. If you really want to go all out, you can even go pick out your own tree together.
Whether it's online or at a mall, it's cute to walk around picking out presents for the people that you love with the person that you love.
If there's snow on the ground, then why not go snowing or skiing? Even though sledding is normally just for kids, why not still do it as adults, especially if neither of you ski.
There's nothing more fun than baking with your SO. Not only can you eat what you've made, but it's also something fun to do together.
Have an interest in common, but have never done anything with it before? Why not use the free time that you have over the holidays and try a new hobby?
Whether you drive around neighborhoods to see them, or you go to the mall or the zoo, the lights are so pretty, and some people go all out with their lights.
Christmas is arguably one of the most popular holidays of the year. Whether you think Christmas celebrations should be strictly reserved for December, or you're setting up your tree and lights on November 1st, Christmas time is the best time. Filling an entire month with Christmas activities seems like it could be impossible, but I am here to fix that for you. Here are twenty-five of the best things to do in the twenty-five days leading up to Christmas.
Regardless of how cold it is, building a snowman is one of the best ways to get yourself into the holiday mood.
Baking Christmas cookies and other holiday treats can really bring a family together. Sometimes these are some of the best memories of the holiday season.
If you can find a skating rink where you live, I would definitely suggest giving it a try. Ice skating is always a fun time and also a great date idea.
Seeing a Christmas tree all decorated and lit up in the living room when you get home is a beautiful sight.
Snowball fights are great because they're a fun time but they also let you get out your pent-up anger in a safe way. Great idea, right?
Listening to the fire crackle while sipping hot chocolate? There are few things that are better than that.
I personally think giving a Christmas present to a loved one that I know they'll love is better than any gift I could get, but maybe that's just me.
I love listening to Christmas Carolers and I personally wish there were more people who enjoyed doing this.
Everyone loves ugly Christmas sweaters, right?
It may be cold, but making memories it definitely worth it.
Dancing and running around your house like a maniac while singing as loud as you can is an extremely cathartic activity and I would definitely recommend.
Secret Santa gift exchanges are almost always fun because there's an extra surprise when you don't know who the gift is from.
A house? Made of gingerbread? I'm here for it.
Okay, maybe not these lights from "Stranger Things," because I really hope you don't have to deal with a demagorgon this holiday season, but find a cute street full of lights and go for a drive.
This doesn't even need explaining. Please go visit Santa.
This is by far one of my favorite things to do over the holiday season.
I'm telling you, Christmas lights are one of the absolute best ways to get in the holiday mood.
This is a day well spent, watching Netflix, drinking hot cocoa and eggnog, the perfect day.
Regardless of what people who don't like eggnog say, eggnog is pretty dope.
Christmas music is the best and even better seeing it live.
Present wrapping sucks when you're alone, so invite some friends over and wrap all of your presents together!
I'm partial to Starbucks, but hit up your favorite coffee shop and grab your favorite
I'm terrible at snowboarding, but it is an awesome way to appreciate the outdoors in the cold season.
Above all, the holiday season is the perfect time to spend some quality time with your friends and family.
Songs About Being 17
Grey's Anatomy Quotes
Vine Quotes
4 Leaf Clover
Self Respect
1. Brittany Morgan, National Writer's Society
2. Radhi, SUNY Stony Brook
3. Kristen Haddox, Penn State University
4. Jennifer Kustanovich, SUNY Stony Brook
5. Clare Regelbrugge, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
